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News
and Information
IDEA
ENFORCEMENT AND DISTRICT MONITORING CAMPAIGN
Parent Involvement
in Self-Assessment and On-Site Monitoring
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Did
you know that every school year a designated list of public school
districts conduct a self-assessment process and develop a
self-improvement plan?
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Would
you like to learn how this process can enhance the education of
all students?
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Would
you like to learn how parents and community members can have their
voices heard?
During
this school year, over 100 school districts will undertake a
self-assessment process to identify areas of strength in their
education of students with disabilities as well as areas needing
improvement. Districts undergoing self-assessment also develop a plan
to enhance their compliance with State and federal special education
laws.
The
New Jersey Department of Education administers this process on a
statewide basis in accordance with State and federal requirements. The
process calls for the active participation of parents and community
members with their school district.
The
Education Task Force of the New Jersey Council on Developmental
Disabilities is offering a free fall seminar to educate parents on
their vital role in their local school district’s Self-Assessment
and Monitoring processes. This year, in addition to offering training
to local groups, we are offering three regional full-day seminars.
Here’s
what participants in previous workshops had to stay about the
training:
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“Now
I have a better understanding of the process – I also have a new
awareness of the flaws in the process.”
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“Since
the training, I know that its OK to speak up and give my comments
in my district, even if its something they are not doing right.”
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“I
had no idea that these changes were taking place in my
district.”
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“Now I feel more confident that I can participate
in the area of curriculum. I
know that what I have to say is very important to many kids and
parents.”
Questions
and Answers about the Local Self- Assessment and Monitoring Process
Q:
What
is the purpose of Self-Assessment and Monitoring?
A:
The
goal of Self-Assessment and Monitoring is to raise academic performance
for all students in the State and to bring about greater accountability
for the public education of students with disabilities.
Q:
What role do parents have in local Self-Assessment and Monitoring?
A:
As part of Self-Assessment, each district must create a Steering
Committee. The Steering Committee should represent all stakeholders and
may include school professionals, parents and students.
As part of its self-assessment process, each district must obtain
community input to accurately identify the district’s strengths,
weaknesses and areas of concern. The
Steering Committee relies on the information it receives from the
community in reviewing the Self-Assessment document.
The
Monitoring process is a way for parents to track the progress of their
school district's implementation of Corrective Action Plans and
Improvement Plans in the years after the Self-Assessment process.
It also is a way for families to ensure that school districts
address areas that need improvement and comply with IDEA and other
special education laws.
Q:
How are the results of the Self-Assessment Used?
A:
A district can use its written Self-Assessment report to develop
corrective action plans that address areas needing improvement
identified during the Self-Assessment process. The Self-Assessment
document also allows a district to establish priorities, determine
technical assistance needs, and plan ways to improve its compliance with
special education laws. A well-crafted Self-Assessment document also
serves as a mechanism for implementing changes and evaluating the impact
of recommended changes on student outcomes.
Is
your school district on this list?
For more information contact Sue Gottesman at the New Jersey Council on
Developmental Disabilities at 609-292-3325 or sue.gottesman@njddc.org
These
districts completed the Self-Assessment process between 1999 and 2004
(schools marked with * participated in Department of Education
monitoring only):
Camden County: Barrington Borough, Black Horse Pike Regional,
Brooklawn, Camden,*
Camden Academy Charter High, Camden County Technical, Cherry Hill,*
Gloucester City, Gloucester Township, Haddonfield Borough, Laurel
Springs, Lawnside Borough, LEAP Academy University Charter, Magnolia
Borough, Pennsauken, Sterling High School District, Voorhees Township,
Stratford Borough, Woodlynne Borough
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